Performing Arts

Performing Arts is a huge and exciting industry but it is also very competitive so you will need to be passionate and committed.

Creative talent is vital, but won’t be enough on it its own. Determination and the ability to cope with rejection are key to thriving in the industry. Those with experience of performing or helping in school or college productions, local workshops, events and festivals will almost certainly be at an advantage.

Why choose us?

If you want to be a star we have everything you need to succeed – theatres, dance studios, recording studios and much more. If you want exceptional facilities devoted to performing arts you will find them at Bedford College. We also have part-time performing arts courses available if you would just like the opportunity to try an exciting range of creative courses.

Every year our highly successful students go on to prestigious Performing Arts schools including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA).

Showcase your talents
While you are with us, you will have plenty of opportunities to enter competitions, learn tips from practicing professionals and display your work and talent, not least in the renowned Performing Arts Showcase. Our Performing Arts students also compete in the National Theatre New Connections competition.

Enjoy your studies
We will expect you to work hard, but you will also have time to make new friends and enjoy the fun side of your course. We organise educational trips in both the UK and overseas such as visiting Broadway in New York to experience the home of US musical theatre, attending the Music Live exhibition, back stage tours of theatres in the West End and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Globe. In addition you will have the opportunity to participate in workshops with the RSC, Frantic Assembly, Rambert and the O2 British Music Experience.

Variety
During our Performing Arts courses you will cover acting, dancing and singing, which will give you experience of a wide range of performing arts disciplines and enable you to try out supportive media-related work.

Student destinations

43% of our Performing Arts, Media and Music Technology students go on to study at degree-level here at Bedford College or at colleges and universities such as Rose Bruford College, University of Portsmouth and University of the Arts London, while 41% go straight into employment or an apprenticeship.

Source: Bedford College FE Student Destinations 2015-16

Fantastic facilities
You will be based in our multi-million pound South Bank Arts Centre which offers you an up-to-date theatre with professional grade lighting, the latest microphones and audio systems and a large costume wardrobe.

In addition we provide you with rehearsal, recording and television studios, a specialist harlequin-sprung dance space and even a radio station. We are confident that you will not find better educational facilities for performing arts and music anywhere else in the region.

An innovative curriculum
We care about your wellbeing and know that performance can be physically strenuous. All our Performing Arts students study principles of fitness training, safe practise and injury prevention, among other modules, so you know that you will be both intellectually and physically prepared for the rigours of performing regularly.

Expert tutors
You will be taught by practising professionals who will strongly encourage individuality and creative flair.

Support for the future
We emphasise the importance of gaining practical performance experience and helping you decide the routes you wish to take in the future.